Girma winner sinks Manchester United to send Chelsea into Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals
Guardian Sport
by Sophie Downey at KingsmeadowFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chelsea advanced to the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester United, thanks to Naomi Girma's 99th-minute winner. The holders faced stiff resistance from their rivals at Kingsmeadow, as Sam Kerr's opener was canceled out by Simi Awujo before Girma's late heroics sent the game into extra time.
Sonia Bompastor's side showcased resilience and determination, battling through a tightly contested match against a formidable opponent. The result underscores Chelsea's commitment to defending their Cup title and highlights their ability to perform under pressure. Bompastor expressed her satisfaction with the team's performance, acknowledging the challenge posed by Manchester United but emphasizing her squad's focus on achieving success in the competition.
This match is significant as it demonstrates the competitive nature of women's football, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and highlighting the growing prominence of female athletes in the sport. The victory also reinforces Chelsea's reputation as a dominant force in women's football, setting the stage for an exciting run in the quarter-finals.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/22/2026